Appendix B: Scope of data collection

The Commission monitors the state of the sectors through a variety of data collection methods outlined below. While the Commission makes every effort to encourage data quality through regular assurance checks, it relies on public authorities to ensure data is provided in a timely and accurate way. Table 1 summarises the data collected for different types of authorities.

Public sector entity survey (PSES)

The annual Public sector entity survey (PSES) requests information from public sector agencies about their administration and management practices. The survey also requests information about designated public interest disclosure officers, internal procedures and any disclosures received. It seeks information on activities undertaken by agencies to respond effectively to and prevent unethical behaviour. Agency-level responses are published in the State of the sectors statistical bulletin 2017.

Integrity and conduct survey (ICS)

The annual ICS requests information from all other public authorities about designated public interest disclosure officers, internal procedures and any disclosures received, as well as activities undertaken by authorities to respond effectively to and prevent unethical behaviour. The ICS is sent annually to the principal officers of public authorities. Authority-level responses for local governments, universities and other Schedule 1 authorities are published in the State of the sectors statistical bulletin 2017.

Employee perception survey (EPS)

The annual EPS evaluates public sector employee views about their workplace, including ethical behaviour, equity and diversity, and job satisfaction. The State of the sectors statistical bulletin 2017 lists sector-wide EPS data. De-identified data is made available at www.data.wa.gov.au.

Human resource minimum obligatory information requirement (HRMOIR)

The quarterly HRMOIR collection reports data on workforce characteristics across public sector agencies. The State of the sectors statistical bulletin 2017 lists key statistics, both sector-wide and at the agency level.

Equal employment opportunity survey (EEO survey)

The annual EEO survey assists the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment (DEOPE) to monitor workforce data on public authorities, including State Government agencies, local governments, public universities and government trading enterprises. The Commissioner administers the EEO survey of behalf of the DEOPE.

Formal oversight activities

Formal oversight activities described in legislation include minor misconduct allegation assessments (CCM Act Section 45C), reviews of operations of public sector bodies (PSM Act Section 24B), powers of investigation (PSM Act Section 24) and special inquiries (PSM Act Section 24H and CCM Act Section 45Q). Other oversight activities not described in legislation rely on the Commissioner’s general powers (PSM Act Section 22G). They include examinations, evaluations and assurance exercises. Information and data for these activities are collected through a variety of methods.